Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous lineside delivery to an assembly-line using a self-driving vehicle are disclosed, comprising receiving a part-supply schedule having a part identifier identifying a part to be supplied, an assembly-line location to be supplied with the part, and a delivery time for supplying the part to the assembly-line location. A mission is generated based on the schedule, and sent to a self-driving vehicle. The self-driving vehicle executes the mission such that the part is supplied to the assembly-line location in accordance with the part-supply schedule.

Abstract: A part assembling system of an automation line includes: a station frame in which a part assembling tool is installed and that includes at least one mounting part; at least one positioner mounted on the at least one mounting part; a part conveying pallet including at least one positioning pin coupled to the at least one positioner; and a moving carriage that transports the part conveying pallet to a predetermined position on a floor of a process work area.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for coordinating assembly of a final product in transit via an autonomous vehicle. The method includes one or more processors identifying a delivery request from a user for a product. The method further includes identifying suppliers of component parts of the product. The method further includes determining common delivery routes of the component parts of the product, wherein the common delivery routes includes respective routes from locations of the one or more suppliers to a delivery destination of the delivery request. The method further includes determining a delivery path to the delivery destination of the product based at least in part on the common delivery routes. The method further includes generating a final delivery plan corresponding to the product for one or more autonomous vehicles based at least in part on the delivery path and the suppliers of the component parts.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes an image sensor positioned about a rig, the image sensor directed at a drill string component positioned on the rig, and an onsite gateway communicably coupled to the image sensor and disposed proximate to the rig. The onsite gateway includes one or more processors, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors. The programming instructions instruct the one or more processors to receive an image stream of the drill string component from the image sensor, identify an operating parameter of the drill string component, generate an operating condition of the drill string component, determine that the generated operating condition meets a failure threshold of the drill string component, and send an instruction to drive a controllable device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering dry bulk material from a blender at a job site are provided. The systems include at least one container having in which dry bulk material can be placed and a skid-mounted vacuum unit comprising a tank having an interior space and an outlet for interfacing with the inlet of the container when the vacuum unit is positioned proximate to the container, a vacuum pump in communication with the interior space of the tank, and a conduit coupled to an inlet of the vacuum pump for interfacing with an inlet of a blender.

Abstract: A forklift includes a vehicle frame, wherein at least one load rest platform is movably arranged on the vehicle frame. The at least one load rest platform is movable between a storage position, in which no load can be deposited on the at least one load rest platform, and a working position, in which a load can be deposited on the at least one load rest platform. The at least one load rest platform is aligned essentially horizontally when moved to the working position, and the at least one load rest platform is movably arranged on an upper surface of the vehicle frame via at least one articulating joint. The at least one articulating joint connects the at least one load rest platform with a side face of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A door hanging apparatus includes a base for ground contact. A height adjustment bracket is located above the base and includes a lifting platform for supporting an underside of a door. A leadscrew assembly, including a leadscrew, interconnects the base and the height adjustment bracket. The leadscrew assembly operates to vary spacing between the base and the height adjustment bracket in response to rotation of the leadscrew.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller testing device for a roller adapter of an overhead conveyor system comprising a drive unit for rotatably driving at least one carrying roller of the roller adapter, a sensor unit for capturing a measured value correlating with a state of wear of a pivot bearing of the at least one carrying roller and an evaluation unit for determining the state of wear on the basis of the measured value.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate an intelligent automated trolley system. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a trolley request. The method further includes determining one or more luggage characteristics of one or more luggage items. The method further includes determining one or more trolleys to send based on the luggage characteristics of the one or more luggage items. The method further includes assigning the one or more trolleys to assist the user based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more luggage items. The method further includes sending the one or more trolleys to a meeting location.

Abstract: A motorized apparatus is provided to lift, tilt and transport heavy tank-like objects such as water heaters. Structurally, the apparatus includes a hitching assembly which can be engaged with an elongated tank to hold it on the apparatus. A guide rail, which is mounted for rotation around a pivot point on a chassis of the apparatus, is also engaged with the hitching assembly. Screw-drives, which are engaged between the guide rail and the hitching assembly, are activated to move the hitching assembly in translation on the guide rail. Also, a screw-drive, which is engaged between the chassis and the guide rail, is activated to rotate the hitching assembly and tank together around the pivot point on the chassis. Further, drive wheels on the apparatus can be selectively activated to transport the entire apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit is provided for transporting an inventory holder. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with the inventory holder, move the inventory holder in a first translational direction, and while docked with the inventory holder, selectively rotate the inventory holder while continuing to move in the first translational direction.

Abstract: A transport system for moving containers comprises a plurality of elevated supports having powered rollers and a transport having rails engaging the powered rollers. The transport has a member(s) for supporting the containers and means for moving the transport over the elevated supports.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder has a frame with device openings. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with an inventory holder and undock with an inventory holder. When undocked from an inventory holder, the mobile drive unit is further operable to traverse a path from a first location to a second location. The path passes through at least a first device opening of the inventory holder such that the mobile drive unit passes beneath the inventory holder while moving along the path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a top mount method, a top mount system and a combination of forklift truck and carrying vehicle having such a top mount system. The top mount method differs from the known methods in that the forklift truck lifting assembly at least is provided with a remote control unit to permit the operator of the forklift to mount the forklift onto the carrying vehicle from a position remote from the forklift. The top mount system comprises a track having a carriage slidably mounted therein and a ram for moving the carriage relative the track. The obviates the need to use the drive of the forklift under remote operation. Finally, there is provided a combination of a forklift and a carrying vehicle having the top mount system which together provide a useful and safer alternative to the known combinations.

Abstract: A wellsite system that includes a bulk material transporter, a mobile tagger, and an uplink. The bulk material transporter includes a supply of a bulk material, a meter to measure output from the supply, and a data logger to log the output as a function of a predetermined parameter. The mobile tagger assigns transfer parameters to each transfer of the bulk material from the supply to one of multiple assets located at the wellsite, including the output measured by the meter. The uplink wirelessly transmits data from the log and the transfer parameters to remote data storage not located at the wellsite.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to carry solid refinery waste is disclosed. The vehicle includes a mobile tank including a plurality of compartments and at least one buffer disposed between each of the plurality of compartments. The vehicle further includes a plurality of manhole openings on a top wall of the tank, each manhole opening being associated with one of the plurality of compartments and being sized to enable an agitator to pass therethrough. The vehicle also includes a plurality of connectors, each connector being affixed to the mobile tank for movement therewith to selectively secure the agitator and a plurality of fluid valves sized to permit an emulsion of the solid refinery waste and at least one diluent to pass therethrough in flowable form.

Abstract: A lifting system for lifting a person into a construction vehicle for operation thereof, including a wheelchair compatible seat which detaches from a wheelchair; and a lifting mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism, mounted to a top portion of the construction vehicle, a rack portion of the rack and pinion mechanism being movable outwardly and inwardly with respect to a side of the construction vehicle, a crane assembly disposed on the rack portion and having a lifting cable with a clip mounted on the end, and a lifting harness connected to the wheelchair compatible seat and connected to the clip, wherein when the clip is connected to the harness, the crane assembly of the lifting mechanism is activated and the wheelchair compatible seat is lifted up from the wheelchair, moved inwardly by the rack portion to a seat position of the construction vehicle, and lowered into the seat position.

Abstract: The system includes a robot body and a main robot control platform. The robot body includes a mechanical part and an electrical control part. The mechanical part includes a horizontal moving unit, an objective carrying platform unit and a bearing unit which are arranged in X, Y and Z cartesian coordinate directions. The objective carrying platform unit includes an objective carrying platform and a battery drive mechanism arranged on the objective carrying platform. A battery pushing mechanism is arranged on the battery drive mechanism. The electrical control part includes a data collection device connected with a main control computer system, a power drive mechanism, an I/O model and a wireless communication model I. The wireless communication model I, the wireless communication model II of a control backend and the wireless communication model III in the remote control device wirelessly communicate with each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a special launching carrier with variable position platform and a method for bridge erection using the same. The special launching carrier with variable position platform comprises a special carrier for erection bridge beam and an under-bridge machine with platform. The special carrier for erecting beam comprises a main beam, a front wheel group, a rear wheel group and a lifting device; the under-bridge machine with platform comprises a under-bridge, a rotatable rear leg, a front roller, a middle roller, a rear roller and an erecting trolley arranged on the under-bridge, and the variable position platforms are installed on both sides of tail portion of the under-bridge. When erecting bridge beam, the front wheel group moves onto the variable position platforms, which may be elevated and folded in terms of conditions of the first and last spans of different bridges, so that the bridge erection is achieved.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine cooling system. The engine cooling system includes a first heat exchanger receiving a first fluid and a second heat exchanger receiving a second fluid. The second heat exchanger is located adjacent the first heat exchanger, thereby creating a stacked heat exchanger. The engine cooling system also includes a third heat exchanger receiving a third fluid. The third heat exchanger is located apart from the stacked heat exchanger. A venturi is located between the stacked heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger. An air mover is mounted to the venturi and located within the venturi. The air mover is configured to move air through the stacked heat exchanger and through the third heat exchanger. In a specific embodiment, the engine cooling system is incorporated into a vehicle, such as a skidder vehicle.

Abstract: A material transfer system including a first vehicle and a second vehicle. The first vehicle has a pressurized compartment maintaining a first air pressure therein. The ambient air outside of the pressurized compartment is at a second air pressure, with the first air pressure being different than the second air pressure thereby defining a pressure differential. The second vehicle has a material discharge device. The material discharge device is capable of delivering material to the first vehicle. The second vehicle having a reservoir for receiving the material. The material passing from the reservoir into the pressurized compartment without substantial loss of the pressure differential.

Abstract: A hopper trailer for hauling bulk material. The trailer has a hopper, a gate mounted to the hopper, and a discharge system mounted to the gate. The gate has a frame with first and second discharge outlets. The first discharge outlet is positioned to discharge material by gravity beneath the gate. The discharge system receives material passing through the second discharge outlet, moves the material to an elevation that is above the gate, and discharges the material from that elevation. Preferably, the gate frame has first and second side walls within which the first and second discharge outlets are formed, respectively. Preferably, the gate has first and second doors each of which being moveable between a closed position that blocks one of the discharge outlets and an open position in which material can pass through one of the discharge outlets.

Abstract: The present combination ladder rack and loader device is designed for use with pickup trucks. This device can function as a typical ladder rack, but also has the ability to lift large and heavy objects both into and out of the truck's bed. In one embodiment, the combination ladder rack and loader device can connect to the pick-up truck primarily through a receiver hitch allowing it to be easily disconnected from the truck when desired. This device can also comprise either a mechanical or an electrical winch to assist in the loading and unloading of large or heavy objects.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting, loading, and unloading various types of goods can include a motor vehicle having a tractor portion and a rectilinear shaped cargo area portion. The cargo area portion can include three traditional sides and a curtain side. The various parts of the system can include, but are not limited to, the following: a front, first width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area that is adjacent to a tractor portion. The system can further include a solid side along a first length of the rectilinear shaped cargo area. A first door can be contained with the solid side along the first length. Adjacent to the first door, a side-mount liftgate can be positioned. A rear, second width, solid side of the rectilinear shaped cargo area can contain a second door. The second door can be a rolling type door.

Abstract: A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.

Abstract: This loader is for transferring cargo containers between vehicles having an exposed center sill and end platforms to receive the loader between them. The loader has top and bottom frames for respectively extending over and under the center sill of the vehicle. The bottom frame is supported on wheels that fit under the sill. The top frame extends over the vehicle's sill and over the bottom frame of the loader and fits between platforms on the vehicle which supports the ends of the container to align. Air-lift bags on the top frame lift the container off or set it in place on the vehicle. The top and bottom frames are connected along one side to support the loader on its wheels to straddle the sill of the vehicle. The wheels are lifted to carry the loader on the vehicle for transport under the container.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle such as a truck or trailer is disclosed including an apparatus thereon which may be connected to a recycle container so that the recycle container may be lifted from the ground onto the vehicle and then transported to a processing site. Once at the processing site, the apparatus causes the refuse container to be pivotally moved with respect to the vehicle so that the contents of the container are dumped from the container without the removal of the container from the vehicle.

Abstract: Automatic placement of safety cones from a moving vehicle is provided. The preferred safety cone would have a flexible cone part. A receptacle holds a plurality of safety cones either with the flexible cone part in non-compressed position or in spring-loaded position. The receptacle is removably attached to the vehicle. A releasing means that is attached to the receptacle is controlled and advances the safety cones in an automatic and controlled fashion, one-by-one, to different locations on a ground surface from a moving vehicle. The advantage is that it automatically handles the placement of a plurality of safety cones while driving. There would be no more need for a person to manually place the safety cones. It provides for increased road safety since it decreases or even eliminates the number of fatal or non-fatal accidents as well as chronic injuries of road-workers that are involved in placing safety cones.

Abstract: A bin tunnel having collapsible sides is used with a truck box of a truck to load content into the truck box from a bin that is sized to fit within the bin tunnel when the bin tunnel is in an open position. When the bin tunnel is in a closed position a footprint of the bin tunnel is very small compared to the open position because the sides are retracted. The footprints can be less when the bin tunnel is in the closed position from thirty (30) percent of the footprint of the bin tunnel in the open position. When the bin tunnel is closed, the contents of the truck box are secure as the space inside of the closed bin tunnel is too small to allow access to the interior.

Abstract: A commuter train ferry system comprises a plurality of railcars being joinable to each other to form a train. The railcars are operable for transporting a plurality of vehicles during a commuter trip. At least one flatbed railcar is joinable to an end of the train of railcars. At least one ramp system is operable for loading and unloading the vehicles from the railcars. The at least one ramp system comprises a plurality of driving surfaces. At least one ramp truck is configured for supporting at least a portion of the ramp system on a side of the ramp truck. The at least one ramp truck is operable for turning and moving the at least a portion of the ramp system on a ground surface in a plurality of directions to dock with the train in which the vehicles can be loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A container transportation system that includes a dolly system that can be mounted underneath the container and then used, optionally in cooperation with a boom or lift, to navigate a container to a desired location. The dolly includes a motor mounted in a swivel bracket that facilitates movement of the dolly for storage. The dolly includes a locking mechanism to clamp in on a load. The dolly can be navigated through the use of a wireless remote control unit that is either held by an operator or by a device that is integrated into the electronics of a road tractor and/or dolly system. The system may include a mounting system for mounting the dolly to a road tractor and a boom for lifting the dolly from a deployed state to a loaded state.

Abstract: Disclosed is system configured to place a load in a motor vehicle. The system includes a beam defining a first end configured to receive the load, and a second end configured to receive a counter force to the load; and a base defining a fulcrum for the beam, such that the second end of the beam receives a constraining force from a ceiling of the vehicle, the constraining force thereby acting as the counter force.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention can have one or more of the following features for a vehicle lifter: (a) a floor, (b) a frame operably coupled to the floor, the frame having a support extending from one end of the frame to an opposite end of the frame, (c) a trolley frame located between the frame and the support, (d) a support bar capable of being coupled to a vehicle, (e) a hydraulic lifter operably coupled to the support bar and the trolley frame, (f) a wheel operably coupled to the trolley frame, (g) a winch operably coupled to the trolley frame, (h) a winch line operably coupled to the winch at one end and to the frame at another end, (i) a housing coupled to the trolley frame, (j) a hydraulic motor within the housing, and (k) a hydraulics container within the housing.

Abstract: A combination trailer is provided that includes a rear self-discharge trailer having a bottom surface, a front portion, a back portion, and two opposing side panels. The side panels of the combination trailer have a height that is less than the height of the front portion. An enclosure system is also included in the combination trailer and selectively covers an open top of the rear self-discharge trailer. One or more one locking pin assemblies are also included in the combination trailer and are attached to at least one of the side panels of the rear self-discharge trailer such that the locking pin assemblies can be used to secure the enclosure system in a desired position.

Abstract: A telescoping adjustable length trailer hitch with an hydraulic actuator for adjusting the length of the trailer hitch. The hitch being adjustable to provide for a longer hitch for road travel and for a shorter hitch for use in farm fields what used with a chemical applicator. The adjustable length hitch having an outside roller on the top of the tube which telescopes into the main tube and a roller on the bottom of the outside roller for rolling on the inside of the main tube to prevent binding as one tube moves inside the other. The telescoping tubes having a hinged safety link connecting the telescoping tubes so that they will not separate. The distal end of the trailer hitch having a bracket for adjusting the height of the trailer hitch relative the towing vehicle and a safety chain for ensuring trailer and towing vehicle will not become separated.

Abstract: A parts delivery management system and method that synchronizes production line side parts deliveries with a production schedule to facilitate delivering the right part to the right production line location at the right time. A consolidation center for receiving parts from suppliers is co-located with an assembly plant. Parts are received in returnable containers and organized for line side delivery according to the manufacturer's production schedule. Parts are delivered to production line locations using multi-cart “trains” that transport parts to the locations. Trains made of multiple carts are assembled throughout the production day and loaded with containers holding the parts that are then delivered line side. A delivery management system application executing on a computer receives production schedule data as well as part and container data to determine which parts are needed throughout the day at the various production line side locations and when they are needed.

Abstract: The Jezco Waste Collection Truck provides a completely new method of picking up garbage on the residential and commercial garbage route. Instead of the garbage going into a vehicle that has to be dumped at an intermediate location then reloaded, the garbage goes into a leak proof container which is not dumped till the garbage reaches it final destination. The Jezco Waste Collection Truck is a medium duty 2 axle truck that holds the patented Jezco Container. This truck is a lighter duty vehicle than the standard garbage truck which is typically a 3 axle unit and much heavier. As a result the Jezco Waste Collection Truck is a less expensive unit. The Jezco Container is 100 percent leak proof and will not spill garbage juices onto the roadways and will eliminate the transmission of rodents. The Jezco Container has the ability to access back haul trucking which will reduce the fuel consumption used in hauling garbage and reduce the number of trucks on the road for garbage hauling.

Abstract: An ejector blade adapted to be combined with an ejector truck or trailer body. In one embodiment, the blade comprises fluidly actuated vibrators for loosening material that has become adhered to the ejector blade. In another embodiment, the blade is heated to help prevent material from being frozen to the blade. In yet another embodiment, the blade comprises a plurality of low friction guides to aid the blade in moving through the receptacle body.

Abstract: A solid medical waste collection system for collecting solid medical waste. The system includes a mobile cart with a bag for storing the waste. A pre-detection apparatus detects metal-containing objects prior to placing them inside the bag to reduce costs to the facility in which the cart is employed. The system may also include a bag-tensioning mechanism for securing the bag to the cart.

Abstract: A quay-wall system for loading and unloading containers includes a quay-wall having a open-air storage yard, a floating body berthed to the quay-wall and resting a ramp on the quay-wall, a pallet formed for receiving one or more containers, and a transporting device transporting the plurality of pallets in parallel. A mobile harbor for use in the quay-wall system includes the ramp, a loading space in which one or more pallets having one or more containers accommodated therein can be placed, wherein the loading space has guide grooves formed thereon for guiding a transporting device. A transporting device for use in the quay-wall system includes a transporting device for being coupled a plurality of pallets in parallel and transporting the pallets from the open-air storage yard to a floating body or from the floating body to the open-air storage yard.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved mounting system for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The mounting system includes in combination a forklift and a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The method includes providing a forklift in a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets. The receiving pins have a supporting position and a release position.

Abstract: A forklift truck (10) comprising a truck body, a fork mechanism at one end of the body, and at least one wheel (18) at an opposite end of the body, said at least one wheel (18) being mounted on the body for translational movement relative to the body between a working position and a storage position.

Abstract: A device and method for loading bulky objects such as Kayaks, canoes and sailboards on a higher level. The device is an expandable and flexible platform to be used as an extra pair of hands for holding one end of the object and pivoting the other end on the loading platform such as a car roof. An expandable pole from a base with a platform on the top permits one end of an ungainly object to be fixed to the platform to hold and act as a pivot point. The flexibility allows for loading from multiple directions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deploying a payload at a location are provided. The apparatus includes a mount adapted to be attached to a mobile unit while allowing normal operation of the mobile unit, and a deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism supports a payload securing mode in which the deployment mechanism secures the payload to the mount and a payload deployment mode in which the deployment mechanism causes the payload to be ejected from the mount. The deployment mechanism is adapted to transition from the payload securing mode to the payload deployment mode in response to a control signal. The deployment mechanism includes a securing means adapted for securing the payload to the mount, an ejecting means adapted for ejecting the payload from the mount, and a breaking means adapted for breaking the securing means in response to a control signal, thereby causing the ejecting means to eject the payload from the mount.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a rotative platform powered manually through a hand crank or motor connected to a worm gear as the system motive force. Each of the arm bar lift is connected to a worm screw shaft providing synchronization as each arm bar rotates from the load position to the travel position. The device can rotate 360 degrees keeping a level platform through its entire rotation. This level platform rotation can only be achieved by having both arm bars connected and kept in time with each other with the worm gears and worm screw.

Abstract: A compact mobile vacuum boring, and excavation method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and having a vacuum conduit to air convey a liquid and or solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum container air inlet & outlet conduit arrangement may also facilitate the separation of solids from the vacuumed air flow by producing a cyclone effect within the vacuum container. A circular cyclone effect is created within the vacuum container by the arrangement relationship between the inlet and outlet vacuum air conduits and baffles. As the air velocity slows, the solids precipitate out of the air and settle in the vacuum container. A housing with filters disposed within it is also adjacently mounted near the vacuum container in order to reduce the quantity of connecting conduits and facilitate a compact, efficient and clean interaction between the vacuum container and the filter housing.

Abstract: A loading apparatus having a base frame mounted to a vehicle. The loading apparatus has a first frame system connected to the base frame and a second frame system having a carriage slidably connected to the first frame system and a pivot frame connected to the carriage. The loading apparatus has a cable assembly having a stationary pulley mounted to the carriage and a pulley bracket mounted to the pivot frame.

Abstract: A cart for storage of items, such as air passenger luggage, and transport thereof between, e.g., airport sorting apparatus and aircrafts, comprises a chassis and a storage section. The storage section comprises one or more shelves, each of which is inclined with respect to the chassis, to allow items to be moved under the action of gravity between a loading end and an unloading end of the cart. A releasable closure structure is provided at the lower end of the shelf. The closure structure may form a continuation of the shelf when in its non-closing position. The cart is suited for automatic or manual loading and unloading of items.

Abstract: A transport system for moving containers comprises a plurality of elevated supports having powered rollers and a transport having rails engaging the powered rollers. The transport has a member(s) for supporting the containers and means for moving the transport over the elevated supports.